Despite playing on a bad team with few other scoring options, McClinton was the most efficient shooting guard in our database at 1.08 PPP. He also ranked second in logged FG% at 47%, on a very respectable 18.6 possessions per game. Showing clear-cut limitations as a finisher around the basket (2nd worst amongst all SGs in fact), McClinton’s best asset is his jump shot. He was above average in PPP in his 1.9 guarded catch and shoot shots per game at 1.09, but was off the charts at 1.8 PPP on 2.5 unguarded catch and shoot shots per game. He was also the best pull up shooter in our database at 1.08 PPP on 5.5 shots per game.

Though he didn’t stand out on the pick and roll or in transition, McClinton’s 1.07 PPP on 4 isolation possessions per game lead us to believe that he has most of the raw tools required to be an excellent threat to score off the bench. He shot over 50% in one-on-one situations driving in either direction, making him the most balanced player on our list. Even though he took a lot of threes, McClinton still scored on a higher percentage of his logged possessions than any other two at 47%. Though he’ll need to expand his range a bit and show that he can produce at the same level he did this season, it isn’t inconceivable that he develops into an Eddie House type player down the road. [Read Full Article]NCAA Weekly Performers, 2/9/09February 9, 2009We took a look at Jack McClinton for the first time before the season began. The scouting report on him was an excellent shooter who does the bulk of his damage from the perimeter and possesses fantastic overall scoring instincts. Two-thirds of the way through his senior year, McClinton’s game hasn’t undergone any drastic changes, but he has impressively actually improved on his already phenomenal shooting numbers.

As has been previously mentioned, McClinton does not fit the stereotype of a backcourt player destined for the NBA; his scoring prowess is too good to overlook though. He has managed to extend his range even further this season, now several feet behind even the pro line, and somehow his percentages have only improved. The ACC’s all time leading three-point shooter, McClinton’s deadly textbook touch can beat teams in a variety of ways. The biggest change to his game this year is how he attacks defenders coming off of screens. In the past he would drive and pull up for a mid-range jumper (something he still does regularly and effectively) but this season he is fading behind the screen more often. His quick release allows this to be a dangerous weapon for McClinton, and with his good first step, defenders are now stuck in a difficult position between choosing to play him to drive or risk getting burned from deep.

The amazing thing about McClinton from a shooting standpoint is that no matter the situation he doesn’t change his form. His technique stays consistent whether he is catching and shooting, pulling up off the dribble or firing off of a screen. On occasion he will force tough shots that are way beyond his range, but this is to be expected from a player of his makeup.

Despite having good handles and nice quickness, McClinton still isn’t a major threat to do a lot of scoring attacking the basket. While he continues to show the ability to take defenders off the dribble, once in the lane he is often too undersized and lacking the necessarily leaping ability to finish amongst taller players. Where these attributes do help him though are in transition, where he is able to use his open floor speed to catch defenses off guard as he slices to the basket. He does show an aggressive mindset when it comes to putting the ball on the floor, and that has continually resulted in a pretty high number of free throw attempts for a player who spends so much time on the perimeter.

Worth noting is the fact that McClinton has made marginal improvements in his assist to turnover ratio this season. While he still by no means is a big playmaker, he is doing a better job of recognizing when to distribute to teammates when he draws extra attention from defenders.

Defensively, McClinton still gets by primarily on his hustle and anticipation. By no means is he going to be a stopper at the pro level, but he certainly has the ability to be adequate in the time he is on the floor. His height will always work against him though as many guards will be able to simply elevate over him.

In the long run, McClinton has the potential to be a scoring boost off the bench if he lands on the right roster. This season has only helped in terms of his draft stock as he is consistently proving to be a big time scorer with seemingly limitless range. Miami has struggled a little more than many pundits expected them to, so McClinton may not get a chance to show his stuff during March Madness, but that shouldn’t take away from the year that the senior has put together so far. [Read Full Article]Top NBA Draft Prospects in the ACC (Part Three: #11-15)October 16, 2008Jack McClinton is one of those players that are extremely easy to rule out on first glance. A transfer from Siena in the Metro-Atlantic Conference, severely undersized at 6-1, skinny, not particularly athletic and clearly not a point guard, he really couldn’t be any further from what we typically look for in an NBA prospect. McClinton is not the type to take no for an answer, though, which is why we had to look back and double-check to make sure we’re not missing the boat.

A pure scorer would be a good way to start describing him. McClinton is the third-best returning scorer in the ACC after Tyler Hansbrough and Tyrese Rice, and brings to the table outstanding shooting percentages from both the free throw line (92%) and beyond the arc (43%). Sporting perfect mechanics, a quick, effortless release, and range that extends well beyond the NBA 3-point line, McClinton has a claim to be considered amongst the top shooters in college basketball. He is fantastic with his feet set, but also looks very comfortable pulling up off the dribble, bringing the added versatility of being able to run off screens, catch, square his shoulders and get his shot off, all in one fluid motion.

Even though 56% of his field goal attempts came from beyond the arc last season, McClinton should be considered more than just a perimeter shooter. He has great all-around scoring instincts, being a fairly good ball-handler, with a quick first step, the ability to change speeds nicely, an excellent crossover, and the aggressiveness needed to get to the free throw line at a pretty solid rate.

Not big, strong or athletic enough to finish amongst the trees once inside the paint, McClinton would much rather pull-up off the dribble from mid-range (sometimes with a Chris Douglas-Roberts-esqe floater) than take the ball all the way inside. He has excellent lower body strength finding his balance and calibrating his shot on his pull-up, and seems to have that rare ability that most great scorers do to just throw the ball in the basket from the toughest of angles.

He’s also not afraid to take advantage of that fact, looking more than willing to step up and take responsibilities when the situation calls for it, as we saw in the first round of the NCAA tournament last season, where he reeled off an incredible 38 points in just 37 minutes in a win against St. Mary’s.

Fearless and unpredictable, like many “lightning in a bottle” type combo guards, McClinton has a tendency to go a little too far at times, though, displaying questionable shot-selection, dribbling with his head down, and forcing the issue a bit. Sporting a 1/1 assist to turnover ratio, and with a clear-cut shoot-first mentality, McClinton looks very far from being considered a point guard at the moment. Although that’s not as much of a deal-breaker as it used to be—ask two players he strongly resembles in Jannero Pargo (especially) and Eddie House—a lot of things will need to fall into place for McClinton to get drafted and/or make a team.

Like both House and Pargo, McClinton puts a very good effort in defensively, oftentimes being the one assigned to guard the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer, when his team can afford it. He is a tough, pesky player, very good in the passing lanes, with very nice timing and strong anticipation skills. Not particularly big, strong or athletic, his potential on the defensive end looks a bit limited at the next level, as he will likely struggle to guard his natural position (shooting guard).

Players like McClinton sometimes make an NBA team right away, and sometimes are forced to go overseas—timing and situation will play big factors here. A lot will depend on what kind of season he has both individually and collectively as a team with Miami. The Hurricanes have a strong roster and are getting some good hype early on to potentially make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Obviously McClinton will play a big role in that. Stay tuned. [Read Full Article]